Academic Dismissal: Student Options

This publication presents important information to students facing academic dismissal from Colorado State University. Students should realize that academic dismissal is not a dead end. Dismissed students do have several options to consider for their academic future. First of all, students facing academic dismissal should read and understand the Scholastic Standards Policy online at www.catalog.colostate.edu. Choose “Scholastic Standards.”


Following are answers to commonly asked questions by dismissed students:

Can I appeal my dismissal?
Yes, academically dismissed students have the opportunity to appeal their dismissal. Correspondence outlining the appeals process is sent to students by the Center for Advising and Student Achievement for the Committee on Scholastic Standards. Dismissed students must pay special attention to deadlines concerning the appeals process. Students who want more information on the appeals process should contact an advisor at the Center for Advising and Student Achievement at (970) 491-7095.

If my appeal is denied, what can I do to return to Colorado State?
There are four ways for dismissed students to become eligible to return to Colorado State.

First, students can repair their cumulative grade point average by enrolling in courses during Summer Session at Colorado State. The Summer Session bulletin is available in January each year and may be picked up from the Continuing Education office in Spruce Hall or at the Lory Student Center Information Desk. It is also available online at: http://www.summer.colostate.edu/.  

Second, students can repair their cumulative GPA by enrolling in courses through Colorado State’s Division of Continuing Education. Continuing Education class schedules are available approximately one month before each term begins. Students may call 970-491-2176 to request a bulletin by mail. Note that course availability is limited.

The third option is to repair the cumulative GPA through enrollment in the Colorado State University GUEST program, which allows students to register for regular University classes on a space-available basis with registration starting the Saturday before classes begin. Please note that GUEST registration is limited to six (6) credits per academic semester (fall and spring), and some courses do not permit GUEST registration. GUEST students must achieve a term GPA of 2.1 or above in order to enroll in GUEST for the following term. Financial aid is not available.
Additional information and restrictions for the GUEST program can be found on the Admissions website at admissions.colostate.edu/GUEST.

Students who repair their cumulative CSU GPA return in good academic standing.

The fourth option is to attend another accredited college or university to establish a strong transfer record, defined as 15 or more academic credits with a 2.5 GPA or better and no grades of D or F. At a minimum, students must have more than 12 credits with a 2.0 GPA to be considered. Quality and rigor of course work will be evaluated. It is highly recommended that students work with an academic advisor when choosing courses they want to transfer to Colorado State University.

Students who are eligible to return based on transfer work return in probation status and have two semesters to repair their cumulative GPA to a minimum 2.0.


Do I have to reapply for admission?
Dismissed students must submit an Intent to Return Form once they have satisfied the Scholastic Standards return requirements. Be sure to review the Admissions brochure, “Guidelines for Returning Students,” or the Admissions website, admissions.colostate.edu, for instructions and deadlines. In addition, dismissed students are strongly encouraged to visit with an admissions representative about requirements to return at least six months prior to the term they wish to return.

How do I determine what grades I need to raise my cumulative GPA to a 2.0?
The best way to accomplish this is to meet with an academic advisor who has experience working with grade point averages. Academic advisors at the Center for Advising and Student Achievement will be glad to help you figure out what grades you will need to repair your GPA.

What if I have already registered for the next semester and I am dismissed?
Since Summer Session is open to all students, registration for summer classes will not be affected by academic dismissal. Summer online registration begins around the end of January each year.

Registration for fall or spring semester begins during the preceding semester. Students will usually register for the coming semester well before they find out they have been dismissed. It is important to realize that students dismissed at the end of fall or spring will have their next semester's registration cancelled if their dismissal appeal requests are denied or they are not enrolled in Summer Session. Appeal decisions on dismissals are completed no later than seven business days prior to the first day of classes for the next regular academic semester (either fall or spring).

What if I have already paid for next semester?
Dismissed students may request a refund from Student Financial Services/ Client Services, 103 Administration Annex. Students attending courses through Continuing Education may request that their tuition refund be transferred to Continuing Education by contacting Student Financial Services/Client Services in the Administration Annex Building.

As a dismissed student, can I receive Financial Aid?
No, students who have been academically dismissed from Colorado State cannot receive any type of federal, state or institutional aid from the University. This includes all grants, loans, work-study and scholarships originating from Colorado State. Students may still receive aid from outside sources, such as private scholarships, provided the donor authorizes continued support. It is the responsibility of the student to find out if private funding will continue.

Can I live in student housing if I attend Front Range Community College?
No, a student who has been dismissed from Colorado State and is attending Front Range Community College cannot reside in CSU student housing.

What if I have more questions?
The following offices can help answer any additional questions:

Center for Advising and Student Achievement
970-491-7095
www.casa.colostate.edu

Student Financial Services
970-491-6321
www.sfs.colostate.edu

Continuing Education
970-491-5288
www.learn.colostate.edu

Office of Admissions
970-491-6909
Email: admissions@colostate.edu
www.admissions.colostate.edu

Registrar’s Office
970-491-7148
www.colostate.edu/Depts/Registrar

Housing and Food Services
970-491-6511
www.housing.colostate.edu